Burial-casket.



PATENTED MAY 1, 1906.

L. H. MONTROSS.

BURIAL GASKET.

waterman rum sums, moe.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1A ffl/Wi PATENTED MAY l, 1906 L. H. MNTRGSS. BURIAL GASKET.

APPLmA'rIoN ULEB unf-1,1906.

2 SHEETS-BREST 2,

man* g mmm :n mvo-LmoGI--Mn mannen c oni-TED STATES LEVI H. MON'ROSS, 0F

PATENT opinen.

CAiVlDEN, NEW JERSEY.

BURIAL-GASKET.

No. 819,80 1. Speceaton of Iiai-Casket, of which the following is'aispeei iication. i

An object of my invention is tp forni the joint betweenthe several parts of, such a preferably pressed-metal casket by a rib which shall at the same time form a iinish to the raw edges of the metal, provide a seat for the sealing material, oer acontinuous and uniform seat for the retaining-clamps, ornament the casket itself by a sightly moldingin a quite usual location for`^such decoration,- form a hollow beam to stiften. the casket' against sprinfr in all directions, particularly againstbucklmg or bulging, and afford a stop against which the handles maybe rested.

A further object oi my invention is to cause retention of the clamp itself by means including fluid-pressure. Y

A further object of my invention is to ro. vide a clamp cooperating with the ho low, sealing-rim to support and stiften the same.

A further object of my invention is to provide a clamp Whose final setting or initial release is dependent upon the application or withdrawal of {luid-pressure.

A further object of' my invention is to pro vide a continuous seat, (for sealing purposes throughout the line of junction of casket parts,) which is sealed by the insertion of fiuid under pressure. s

A further object of my invention is to provide a continuous casket-sealing Whose' direction of se aration 'is lsuch' that fluid` pressure appli to seal the same will hayeno tendency to bulge or contract the Vsidesfo ends of the same.

A further object of my invention is to provide a casket-seal bythe application of fluidressure.

4 A further obgect of my invention is to pro# vide a casket-seal with fluid means for setting he same and to place a metal protecting;Y strip between the fluid-container and the edges of separation.

A further object of my invention is to pvid a continuous sealing-:iin of cooperating par is' formed on the top and bottom casket portions, respectively, and to clamp the Same and to seal this space by a tube inflated by protective fluid-pressure.

A further object of my invention is to pro- '.Fig 2. Figs. 4, 5, 6, and S arelo Letters liatent.

o Y 190,6. Serial No. 304,301'.

Patenten may l, 1906.

vide a continuous sealing-space surroundin the casket, t'd ce a closed tube therein, an to compress the sairlsltube against the l1miting-surfacoitthe spasg'means of cement. 4A further obiectp my invention' is to pro- Ysage formed between the-trails of the separa le parts a casket and td'expand said tube against` the Wallshy a non-corrosive fluid protecting the tube against deca Y IIT carrying out my invention I pro] ect the meeting y form of l: s cooperating internall to form a passage of preferably curved an desirabl cross-section and place therein a tube of flexi- 1ble material, which I expand by means of lfluid-pressure tovmake contact with the walls of thcxpassage, with or without protective metallic fstrips external thereof along the junction edges. These ribs cooperate externell y with the several sections to form curves within which a portion of, thei el s are seated and to stop the handlesgs "i'ilovement in a vertical direction'. i? efqlamps y reinforcing-strips form quite a material `vpart 4ol my invention, as they reinforce the material, permitting the use of comparatively thn sheet metal, preferably bronze or oop er.

*igure 1 represents a perspective view ofa casket embod "n m invention. Fig.2rep resents alongitu ina cross-section through a Yportion of a clamp shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 represents a cross-section on the line 3 3 of itudinal cross-sections of modified forms o clamp:A

lines 5 5, y ,tively Fi 10 is a section uponlxne; 10,1()

ing. Fig. 11 represents a corresponding cross-section of a modieatlo Fig. 12 is an elevation of a handle used in onnection with my casket. 'section of'Fi l2. .Figs. land 15 are side eievations o modified forms of handle and handle-bracket. Figs. 16 and 17 are `transverse sections of portions of my casket, showing modified forms of handle and bracket construction....

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding pifrts i the'fighure'si Referring to the drawings, V11 designates the base-section of a casket iilrhich is providedA vvi th separate decorative corner -pieces 12 vide a continuous seeing -tube-within a pas#t Figs. 5, 7, and are transverse sections upon L 7 9'9y ofligsi, and 8, respec- 4i f'ofFig. 1, s owing the rim and interior tub- Fig. 13 represents a transverse' larts of the-casketsections in the 1 IIC andwith an integral projecting-rim 13u01 hol-V low form at its outer extremity 14 to provide a preferably curved groove or gutter 15. The outside of this groove or gutter is a rib of corresponding shape at 16, between which and the body 11 is preferably provided a s ace 17, within which a Aportion of my c amp 18 is adapted to en age. The upper section 19 is provided wit alike laterallyextending rim 20, whose outer part 21 is complementary in shape to the part 14, providing a downwardly-facing groove or gutter 22 of preferably curved cross-section, which together with the gutter 15 forms a passage entirely surrounding the casket at the joint thereof, which passage is of referably curved and most desira'bl circu ar cross-section. A part of the bene t of my invention might be obtained without the curved cross-section; but the joint would not be of the most advantageous form. The outer and up er portion of`21 is in the form of an upwarcfi extending rib 23, between which and the top 19 is formed a space 24, which provides a seat for a portion of my clamp.

In its preferred form and as'shown in most of the clamps in Fig. 1 my clamp 25 consists of a strip of 4C cross-section tting over the upper and lower portions of the laterallyextending ribs and closely engaging the same either directly or by means of aninterposed reinforcing-strip 26, the clamp or the clamp and strip or strips constituting in its entirety a clamping member, so that either the clamp itself or a reinforcing-strip is in engagement with substantially the entire contour of the sealing-rib on the exterior thereof, reinforcing or sup orting the same in close proximity or imme iately over both points of separation ofthe walls of the passage formed. It will thus be seen that the pressure of a distended tubing between the walls in the spaces 15 22 Will be directly taken care of throughout the entire boundary of said Walls in every direction in which separation of the parts 13 and 20 mi ht occur. This contact is intimate and e ective.

In one of my forms I have shown a clamp in which the reinforcing-stri 26 may be temporarily secured or supporte Yin intimate contact with the rim lportion 16 b means of a screw27; but it Wi l be ve evi ent that this means of holding the rei orcing-strip to its work will in most instances be entirely unnecessary, as the reinforcin -strips themselves may readily be tapererf, as at 28 and 29, and fitting so accurately to the space allowed that they may be readily inserted from either end with Whatever degree of ti htness may be desirable. They are pre erably made' tight fits; but the pressure would be immediately increased and uniforml distributed by the increase of an interna pressure due to the expansion o the infiatable tube 36. This pressure is capable of accurate predetermination.

In Figs. 4 and 5 I have shown reinforcingstrips 26 and 27X both at the top and at the bottom, while in Figs. 6 and 7 the strip 26 is at the bottom only and in Figs. 8 and 9 a strip 26 is provided at the top only. In Figs. 2 and 3,as well as in all of the clamps illustrated in Fig. 1, I have shown the up er portion ofthe clamp itself performing t e function of the reinforcing-strip in extending beyond the limits of the clamp at 30 and 31 to support a rim at a distance from the body of the clamp itself whose length would otherwise be only that between the e-.iges32- and 33, as shown in Fig. 2. It will be evident that as many clamps may be used as are desired and that within certain limits the reinforcingl strips or clam s themselves may be made as ong and there ore support as much of the rim as may in any particular instance be deemed desirable or necessary. In all of the forms of my clamp I have made the opening between the edges 34 and 35 of the Cof sufficient size to permit the ready application of the clamp laterally at any point.

While my invention may be successful] carried out by any form of tubing which wi l make an air-tight joint with the surface of the space 15 22, I preferably make use of a pure-rubber tube 36, which has sufficient compressibility and resilience to be forced into most intimate contact. with all the inequalities of the surrounding walls. It will be evident that the only point of access of external air or other corroding gases or fluids are at the edges 37 and 38, which separate the inner and outer limiting-surfaces of the top and bottom arts, res ectively. In the form shown in 1ig. 11 specially protect this portion of the tubing against such corroding influences by means of strips 39 40, which are pressed .against the limiting-surfaces of the upper and lower sections in proximity to the edges 37 and 38 by means of the fluidpressure inthe tube 36. These strips 39 40 may be formed of anyT suitable non-corrosive or protective materia and may be supported in the position shown in any desirable way. In order to overcome the objections of undertakers to open cement or to themselves applyingrloement in such a form that it may engage t e fabric used, I preferably apply the strips 39 and 4() to the tubing 36 b cement or other means initially, avoiding t e necessity of cementing it to the limiting-walls of the passage and avoiding the danger of injury in p acing the parts which would exist were the strips to be applied to the walls of the passage initially. form the stri s 39 40, preferably, of very thin metal, suc as lead, which may readily be pressed into exact conformity to the surface of the metal in proximity to the edges 37 and 38. I apply the tubing to the assage in a collapsed form, or may exhaust t e air from said tube 36, if desired.4 Where, however, it is desired to inx 30 IOO flute the tube by air this is unnecessary, and the tubing may be inserted in approximately its normal size and additional pressure brought to bear to compress it tightly against the surrounding walls. The fluid-pressure of whatever character is preferably applied by means of an inlet valve and passage 41.

In all of .the forms of my invention the casket may be exhausted of air-in connection with the sealing, if this may be desired, and this exhaustion may take lace at any time, either initially, if the initiafsealing caused by application of the clamps be sufficient to permit this issue concurrently with the inflation of my tube to form the seal, or subsequent to the sealing operation, and this exhaustion may take place by any well-known means through an a erture-valve. Injury to the ody from without and, in the case of contagion, dissemination of the germs from within are alike to be avoided.

In making use of a cement seal I insert the cement within my tube 36 under premere with or Without previous exhaustion 'of' the air contained therein or auxilia use of airpressure- There is no exposeV cement. Then the air is reviousl exhausted the cement fills up substantial y the entire space within the tube and itself holds the rubber of the tubing tightly compressed against the surface of the surrounding metal. With a cement which sets to ractically its initial volume this provides or continuous compression of the rubber of the tubing and for a perfect protection of this tubing against oxidation or other corrosion from within. fliers the air is not previous@T exhausted or where air is inserted along with the cement, or before the cement has entirely set, there is a consequent expansiblc medium taking care of the diminution of the volume of cement. If one be used which does not set to substan tially its initial volume, the expansibility of the air maintains the compression of the rubber after the setting of the cement.

I may make use of an inert as, such as nitrogen gas, or of any fluid which may not v prove injurious to the particular material seected for the tubing. Thus I may make use (Not showntlV of a protective oil with or without additionalV gas-pressure to .maintain a constant coating of protective oil. It will be evident that this coating of oil or other protective liquid WillVV be maintained by the presence and conse-V quent creeping of the oil notwithstanding that a portion of the tubing is filled with air or other gas. i

Since the corrosion in the form which I have described can take place from the exterior only except as some oxygen from the air contained in certain cases might be sat- V isfied, it will be evident that the joints 37 and 38 are the points of attack. It is for this reason that I provide a clamp which so completely embraces and supports the rim in Ystrain in all directions.

proximity to these edges of junction or seperation and which prevents movement of the parts in the direction of such separation.

In all of the forms which I have shown and described deterioration of the compressed rubber or other material of the tube 36 b reason of attack at the joints 37 and 38 Wi l be slow because the rubber itself may be quite thin and the rubber within reach of the corredi agent at the joint must be almost complete y destroyed before any of this cor roding agent can have access to a portion adjoining it. In all the forms except my form depending upon gaseous inflation alone this slow process of corrosion and substantial removal of the corroded surface must take place throughout substantially half the Vsurface of the passage Within which the tube lies'before any leakage of corrodino' a ent can take place into the casket. In t e orm employing a protected liquid corrosion would release the li uid to protect the corroded and adjoining suiqfaces.

In the lead or other strip-protected joints shown in Fig. 1 even the slight opportunity for corrosion at the joints 37 and 38 is donc away with. yIt will be evident that the form shown in Fig. 11 may be used with any of the inating mediums to which I have herein referred and that any of the forms of clamp which I have illustrated and'described may be used in connection with any of the tubes and inlatinv means herein mentioned.

In all of he forms of handle which I have illustrated, exce t that in Fig. l5, I have provided a handig or handled bracketfivhich coperates with the lateral extension of the lower portion of the casket, so that the rim or the neck of the rim forms a sto against which the handle or handled bracket abuts and takes a'lar e part of the vertical strain dus to the hand e. In all of the handies shown and in every handle which Iprojects at all from the body of the casket t ere is also a couplin strain tending to crush the walls of the cas et inwardl at the upper point of su ort of the han le. This tend enc to budlcrle is also met bythe rim, which in t e form shoWn-thatis, having a circo lar cross-section-is equally7 strong to resist oth the upward and inward movements of the handle due to these strains are therefore prevented by this rim, and the rim is reinforced to withstand these strains b the clamp and by the reinforcing-strips. n the form shown in Fig. l5 the interior protecting-strip 1s secured to the casket-body in proximity to this rim, obtaining a portion of the advantage of the Yrim as protection against vertical and buckv li strains.Y

n Fig. 1 I have shown strips or brackets 42 secured to the body of the casket at 43 and resting inthe space 17 beneath the rib 14 in such manner as to be supported by the IOO IIO

projecting strip or neck connecting the body of the casket with the rib 14, tlus support preventing longitudinal movement of' the strips. Intermediate the length of these strips I locate a handle 44, which may evidently be of any desired pattern.

In Figs. 12 and 13 I show a strip, sheet, or plate 45, having a width in excess of either of the strips 42, for the purpose of making use of this single strip 45 1n lace of the plurality of strips in Fig. 1. I orm a )rejected neck 46,hav1ng at its end a roll 47 by which the upper and lower parts of the plate and neck are connected. This roll may itself form the handle, or a handle 48) may be secured therein, which handle may extend approximately the length of the casket, if desired. The neck 46 may be cut out between the parts 48 and 49 to permit the hands to pass therethrough, if desired. This plate is secured by bolts, rivets, or studs 50 with its upper portion in contact with the neck adjoinmg the rib 14 at 13, as in all of the other forms shown, except that in Fig. 1-5. At the lower edge of the plate 45 in the form shown in Figs. 12 and 13 and of the brackets 51 and 52 in the form shown in Figs. 14 and 16 I finish by means of a preferably metal molding 53, which will evidently improve the appearance of the casket, as well as prevent the bottom of the plate or bracket from showing excessively.

In the form shown in Figs. 14, 15, and 17 I provide a separate handle-plate 54, 55, or 5G, riveted or otherwise secured to the body or bracket, as the case may be.

In the form shown in Fig. 15 an inner strengthening-rib 57 is provided to assist i 11 prevention 0I buckling and to transmit tue vertical and bucklin strains to af ioint in roximity to the sti ening and sealing rib.

n this case the handle is intended to be separable from the casket, and for that reason thc bolts 58 are not assed entirely through the strip 57 to avoid eakage of air at this point.

In the form shown 1n Fig. 17 the external strengthening-strip or handle-support 59, in addition to being seated beneath the rib 14 and a ainst the neck 13 ,is inwardlyextended at 60 eneath the body of the casket and secured thereto in any suitable manner.

In all of the forms which I have shown it is the intention that the means of attachment of parts shall be fluid-tight, and it is evident that this result may be accom lished in a variety of ways with or without t 1e initial use of cement and by means of bolts, screws, pins, or studs of any character, riveted or not riveted, as the needs mayY require. The recognized points of possib e or robable leakage can be readil and effectua ly sealed or protected b sol( ering.

It WilIrbe evident that the neck or extension joining the rim 14 to the bod of the casket may be made as long or as s 1ort as may be desirable or necessary in order to accom1 modate the handles or handle-brackets, strips, or supports, and the clamps Where a form of clampjs to be used, such as in Fig. 9, which projects into the neck or that the neck may be altogether omitted where it is desired to rest the full or reduced end of the bracket or support against the rib itself or within the groove lying between it and the body of the casket in the absence of the neck. Where the neck is omitted a clamp of the form shown in Fig. S may be used to overlie and support the rib above the handle-strip or the clamps may be spaced about the handle strip or support.

It will be evident that a part of the benefit of my invention may be obtained by the use of different portions of the same separatel and that I am entitled to protection in sue 1 use within the scope of my claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a burial-casket, upper and lower sections having lateral extensions grooved upon their lower and upper faces complementarily to form a passage therebetween, clampin members engaging said lateral extensions an a pneumaticalI Y-1nflated tube for tightening sa1d clamping members and sealing said passage to prevent access of air to the casket.

2. In a burial-casket, top and bottom sections having each lateral extensions of curved section. coperating to form a passage therebetween said extensions forming grooves above and below the extensions respectively between them and the top and bottom sections, C-clamps resting within the upper groove, reinforcing-strips resting within the lower groom-said C-clamps and strips formingr an inside surface conforming to the exterior of the lateral extensions and an inflatable tube for sealing the interior of said extensions against passage of air into the casket.

3. In a burial-casket, up er and lower sections having cooperating ateral extensions forming downwardly and upwardly directed grooves which coperatc to form a passage therebetween, clamping members securing said sections together by means of the extensions, an infiatable tube within said passage for hermetically sealing the casket and a protective material within the tube.

4. In a burial-casket, upper and lower sections having lateral extensions cooperating to form a passage thereabout, clamping members surrounding said passage a tube within the passage and cement within the tube.

5. In a burial-casket, upper and lower portions having laterally-extended curved edges cooperating to form upper and lower grooves between said extensions and the upper and lower sections respectively a tube within the lgrooves, a tube-protective medium within the tube preventing access of air to the walls IOC IIO

thereof, a. gas within the tube, and a. clampin member engaging said extensions within sai grooves.

6. In a burial-casket, separable parts having ooperating lateral sealing extensions in combination with a clamp surrounding said extensions and 'reinforcing means ed] scent said clamp supportin seid extensions.

7. In sa. burialcas et, separebe sections having semitubular cooperating sealing extensions about their junction, a clamp inclosing said semitubular extensions and reinforc ing means extending beyond the clamp and conformin to the shape of the extension.

8. In a urial-casket, semitubular coperating meeting flan es, an inflatable tube within said flanges, a c amping member preventing separation of the flanges and apreservngstri between the tube and the line of division of t e flanges.

9. In a burial-casket, separable sections having meeting grooved coperating anges formin a. channel between the sections, means or retaining the flan es from separation, an inflatable tube Wtxn the channel and a preserving-strip secured to the tube in proximity to the hne `oi division of said flanges.

10. In a burial-casket, se arable sections having a strengthenin -rlb e out their meet.- ing edges, a handle, a andle-support resting against said strengthening-ribz a clamp surrounding said strengthening-rib and a. reinforcing-strip secured to said clamp and adapted to overhe said rib above the point of con- 35 tact with the handle-su port.

H. MONTROSS. Witnesses:

WM. C. WIEDERSEIM, C. D. MoVAY. 

